Surgical adapter assemblies for use between surgical handle assembly and surgical end effectors

ABSTRACT

An adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes at least one drive converter assembly including a drive shaft; a drive coupling nut threadably connected to a distal end portion of the drive shaft; and an axially translatable drive bar connected to the drive coupling nut, wherein rotation of the drive shaft results in axial translation of the drive bar. The drive coupling nut engages 29 teeth of the threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft. The drive coupling nut is manufactured from unreinforced PEEK thermoplastic polymer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/669,208, filed on Jul. 9, 2012, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices. More specifically,the present disclosure relates to surgical adapters and/or adapterassemblies for use between and for interconnecting a powered, rotatingand/or articulating surgical device or handle assembly and an endeffector for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

One type of surgical device is a linear clamping, cutting and staplingdevice. Such a device may be employed in a surgical procedure to resecta cancerous or anomalous tissue from a gastro-intestinal tract.Conventional linear clamping, cutting and stapling instruments include apistol grip-styled structure having an elongated shaft and distalportion. The distal portion includes a pair of scissors-styled grippingelements, which clamp the open ends of the colon closed. In this device,one of the two scissors-styled gripping elements, such as the anvilportion, moves or pivots relative to the overall structure, whereas theother gripping element remains fixed relative to the overall structure.The actuation of this scissoring device (the pivoting of the anvilportion) is controlled by a grip trigger maintained in the handle.

In addition to the scissoring device, the distal portion also includes astapling mechanism. The fixed gripping element of the scissoringmechanism includes a staple cartridge receiving region and a mechanismfor driving the staples up through the clamped end of the tissue againstthe anvil portion, thereby sealing the previously opened end. Thescissoring elements may be integrally formed with the shaft or may bedetachable such that various scissoring and stapling elements may beinterchangeable.

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lineswith proprietary powered drive systems for operating and/or manipulatingthe surgical device. In many instances the surgical devices include apowered handle assembly, which is reusable, and a disposable endeffector or the like that is selectively connected to the powered handleassembly prior to use and then disconnected from the end effectorfollowing use in order to be disposed of or in some instances sterilizedfor re-use.

Many of the existing end effectors for use with many of the existingpowered surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are driven by a linearforce. For examples, end effectors for performing endo-gastrointestinalanastomosis procedures, end-to-end anastomosis procedures and transverseanastomosis procedures, each typically require a linear driving force inorder to be operated. As such, these end effectors are not compatiblewith surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motionto deliver power or the like.

In order to make the linear driven end effectors compatible with poweredsurgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motion todeliver power, a need exists for adapters and/or adapter assemblies tointerface between and interconnect the linear driven end effectors withthe powered rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies.

These adapters and/or adapter assemblies must be able to convertrotation of a rotatable drive screw to linear motion of a drive rod orthe like. Such force conversion creates a relatively high degree ofstrain on the system at the force conversion interface. Additionally,these adapters and/or adapter assemblies must undergo severalautoclaving cycles without deterioration of the system at the forceconversion interface.

Accordingly, a need exists for adapters and/or adapter assembliesconstructed from materials that are biocompatible, which are resistantto corrosion from steam and cleaning agents, and which have a relativelyhigh fatigue life-cycle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to surgical adapters and/or adapterassemblies for use between and for interconnecting a powered, rotatingand/or articulating surgical device or handle assembly and an endeffector for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter assembly isprovided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that isconfigured to perform a function and a surgical device that isconfigured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including atleast one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical deviceincluding at least one rotatable drive shaft.

The adapter assembly includes at least one drive converter assembly forinterconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axiallytranslatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least onedrive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to afirst rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and a second end thatis connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the endeffector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drivemember of the end effector.

The at least one drive converter assembly includes a drive shaftrotatably disposed within the housing and the outer tube, wherein aproximal end of the drive shaft of the at least one drive converterassembly is in operative communication with the coupling sleeve, whereinthe drive shaft of the at least one drive converter assembly has athreaded distal end portion; a drive coupling nut threadably connectedto the distal end portion of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly, wherein the drive coupling nut is inhibited fromaxial rotation relative to the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly; and an axially translatable drive bar having aproximal portion connected to the drive coupling nut and a distalportion configured and adapted for selective connection to an axiallytranslatable drive member of the end effector.

In use, rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice results in rotation of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly, and wherein rotation of the drive shaft of the atleast one drive converter assembly results in axial translation of thedrive coupling nut and the drive bar that is connected thereto.

The drive coupling nut of the at least one drive converter assembly mayengage 25-36 teeth (e.g., turns of a thread forming the threaded distalend portion of the drive shaft), preferably 29 teeth or turns, of thethreaded distal end portion of the drive shaft.

The drive coupling nut of the at least one drive converter assembly maybe manufactured from unreinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK)thermoplastic polymer.

The threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft of the at least onedrive converter assembly may be configured as a Unified-series threadprofile (UNC #4-48 class 3A).

The threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft of the at least onedrive converter assembly is processed by surface hardening, rolling,whirling and/or electro-polishing.

The at least one drive converter assembly may include a first washerdisposed adjacent a proximal surface of the drive coupling nut, and asecond washer disposed against a distal surface of the drive couplingnut.

The drive coupling nut of the at least one drive converter assembly mayinclude at least one outer annular rib.

The adapter assembly may further include a housing configured andadapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operativecommunication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of thesurgical device.

The adapter assembly may further include an outer tube having a proximalend supported by the housing and a distal end configured and adapted forconnection with the end effector, wherein the distal end of the outertube is in operative communication with each of the at least one axiallytranslatable drive member of the end effector.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method offabricating an adapter assembly is provided, wherein the adapterassembly selectively interconnects a surgical end effector and asurgical device. The method includes the steps of providing a drivecoupling nut constructed from unreinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK)thermoplastic polymer; and providing a drive shaft including a proximalend configured to receive a rotation from a rotatable drive shaft of thesurgical device. The drive shaft fabrication including the steps ofsurface hardening at least a distal end of the drive shaft; aftersurface hardening the distal end of the drive shaft, whirling the distalend of the drive shaft; and after whirling the distal end of the driveshaft, electro-polishing the distal end of the drive shaft. The methodof fabricating the adapter assembly further including the steps ofproviding a drive bar; securing the drive bar to the drive coupling nut;and threading the drive coupling nut to the threaded distal end of thedrive shaft.

The assembled drive bar, drive coupling nut and drive shaft define adrive converter assembly configured to interconnect a rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device and an axially translatable drive member ofthe end effector, wherein the drive converter assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drivemember of the end effector.

In use, rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice results in rotation of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly, and wherein rotation of the drive shaft of the atleast one drive converter assembly results in axial translation of thedrive coupling nut and the drive bar that is connected thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a surgical deviceand adapter assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, illustrating a connection thereof with an end effector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connecting ends of each of thesurgical device and the adapter assembly, illustrating a connectiontherebetween;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the adapterassembly of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 1-5,as taken through 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of the indicated area of detailof FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an exemplary endeffector for use with the surgical device and the adapter assembly ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the outputs to the LED's;selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotation orarticulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform a functionselected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical devices, and adapterassemblies for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are describedin detail with reference to the drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of theseveral views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portionof the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof,farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portionof the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closerto the user.

A surgical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, is generally designated as 100, and is in the form of apowered hand held electromechanical instrument configured for selectiveattachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors that areeach configured for actuation and manipulation by the powered hand heldelectromechanical surgical instrument.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, surgical device 100 is configured forselective connection with an adapter assembly 200, and, in turn, adapterassembly 200 is configured for selective connection with an end effectoror single use loading unit 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, surgical device 100 includes a handlehousing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediate housingportion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/or supported onintermediate housing portion 106. Intermediate housing portion 106 andupper housing portion 108 are separated into a distal half-section thatis integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion 104, anda proximal half-section connectable to the distal half-section by aplurality of fasteners. When joined, the distal and proximalhalf-sections define a handle housing 102 having a cavity therein inwhich a circuit board (not shown) and a drive mechanism (not shown) issituated.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the distal half-section of upper housingportion 108 defines a nose or connecting portion 108 a. A nose cone 114is supported on nose portion 108 a of upper housing portion 108. Nosecone 114 is fabricated from a transparent material. An illuminationmember (not shown) is disposed within nose cone 114 such that theillumination member is visible therethrough. The illumination member maybe in the form of a light emitting diode printed circuit board (LEDPCB). The illumination member may be configured to illuminate multiplecolors with a specific color pattern being associated with a uniquediscrete event.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing inwhich the drive mechanism is situated. The drive mechanism is configuredto drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the variousoperations of surgical device 100. In particular, the drive mechanism isconfigured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order toselectively move tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 (see FIGS. 1 and8) relative to proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300, to rotateend effector 300 about a longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 4) relative tohandle housing 102, to move anvil assembly 306 relative to cartridgeassembly 308 of end effector 300, and/or to fire a stapling and cuttingcartridge within cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and as mentioned above, the distalhalf-section of upper housing portion 108 defines a connecting portion108 a configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210of adapter assembly 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, connecting portion 108 a of surgicaldevice 100 has a cylindrical recess 108 b that receives a drive couplingassembly 210 of adapter assembly 200 when adapter assembly 200 is matedto surgical device 100. Connecting portion 108 a houses three rotatabledrive connectors 118, 120, 122.

When adapter assembly 200 is mated to surgical device 100, each ofrotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 coupleswith a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapterassembly 200. (see FIG. 3). In this regard, the interface betweencorresponding first drive connector 118 and first connector sleeve 218,the interface between corresponding second drive connector 120 andsecond connector sleeve 220, and the interface between correspondingthird drive connector 122 and third connector sleeve 222 are keyed suchthat rotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgicaldevice 100 causes a corresponding rotation of the correspondingconnector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 withconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200 allowsrotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the threerespective connector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical device 100 are configured to be independently rotated by thedrive mechanism. In this regard, a function selection module of thedrive mechanism selects which drive connector or connectors 118, 120,122 of surgical device 100 is to be driven by an input drive componentof the drive mechanism.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 hasa keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respectiveconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200, when adapterassembly 200 is coupled to surgical device 100, rotational force(s) areselectively transferred from the drive mechanism of surgical device 100to adapter assembly 200.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 ofsurgical device 100 allows surgical device 100 to selectively actuatedifferent functions of end effector 300. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, selective and independent rotation of first driveconnector 118 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective andindependent opening and closing of tool assembly 304 of end effector300, and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly 304 ofend effector 300. Also, the selective and independent rotation of seconddrive connector 120 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selectiveand independent articulation of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 4). Additionally, theselective and independent rotation of third drive connector 122 ofsurgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independentrotation of end effector 300 about longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 4)relative to handle housing 102 of surgical device 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, handle housing 102 supports a pair offinger-actuated control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130.

Actuation of first control button 124 causes tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300 to close and/or a stapling/cutting cartridge within toolassembly 304 of end effector 300 to fire.

Actuation of rocker device 128 in a first direction causes tool assembly304 to articulate relative to body portion 302 in a first direction,while actuation of rocker device 128 in an opposite, e.g., second,direction causes tool assembly 304 to articulate relative to bodyportion 302 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction.

Actuation of control button 126 causes tool assembly 304 of end effector300 to open.

Actuation of rocker device 130 causes end effector 300 to rotaterelative to handle housing 102 of surgical device 100. Specifically,movement of rocker device 130 in a first direction causes end effector300 to rotate relative to handle housing 102 in a first direction, whilemovement of rocker device 130 in an opposite, e.g., second, directioncauses end effector 300 to rotate relative to handle housing 102 in anopposite, e.g., second, direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 is configured forselective connection with adapter assembly 200, and, in turn, adapterassembly 200 is configured for selective connection with end effector300.

Adapter assembly 200 is configured to convert a rotation of either ofdrive connectors 120 and 122 of surgical device 100 into axialtranslation useful for operating a drive assembly 360 and anarticulation link 366 of end effector 300, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Adapter assembly 200 may include a first drive transmitting/convertingassembly for interconnecting third rotatable drive connector 122 ofsurgical device 100 and a first axially translatable drive member of endeffector 300, wherein the first drive transmitting/converting assemblyconverts and transmits a rotation of third rotatable drive connector 122of surgical device 100 to an axial translation of the first axiallytranslatable drive assembly 360 (see FIG. 8) of end effector 300 forfiring.

Adapter assembly 200 may include a second drive transmitting/convertingassembly for interconnecting second rotatable drive connector 120 ofsurgical device 100 and a second axially translatable drive member ofend effector 300, wherein the second drive transmitting/convertingassembly converts and transmits a rotation of second rotatable driveconnector 120 of surgical device 100 to an axial translation ofarticulation link 366 (see FIG. 8) of end effector 300 for articulation.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-7, adapter assembly 200 includes a knob housing202 and an outer tube 206 extending from a distal end of knob housing202. Knob housing 202 and outer tube 206 are configured and dimensionedto house the components of adapter assembly 200. Outer tube 206 isdimensioned for endoscopic insertion, in particular, that outer tube ispassable through a typical trocar port, cannula or the like. Knobhousing 202 is dimensioned to not enter the trocar port, cannula of thelike.

Knob housing 202 is configured and adapted to connect to connectingportion 108 a of upper housing portion 108 of the distal half-section ofsurgical device 100.

As seen in FIGS. 4-7, adapter assembly 200 includes a surgical devicedrive coupling assembly 210 at a proximal end thereof and to an endeffector coupling assembly 230 at a distal end thereof.

Adapter assembly 200 includes a first, a second and a third drivetransmitting/converting assembly, as mentioned above, disposed withinhandle housing 202 and outer tube 206. Each drivetransmitting/converting assembly is configured and adapted to transmitor convert a rotation of a first, second and third drive connector 118,120, 122 of surgical device 100 into axial translation of a drive bar ofadapter assembly 200, to effectuate closing, opening, articulating andfiring of end effector 300; or a rotation of adapter assembly 200.

In particular, adapter assembly 200 includes a first drivetransmitting/converting assembly 240 disposed within handle housing 202and outer tube 206. Drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 isconfigured and adapted to transmit or convert a rotation of a firstdrive connector 118 of surgical device 100 into axial translation of adrive tube 246 of adapter 200, to effectuate closing, opening,articulating and firing of end effector 300.

As seen in FIGS. 4-7, first drive transmitting/converting assembly 240includes a first distal drive shaft 242 rotatably supported withinhousing 202 and outer tube 206. A proximal end portion 242 a of firstdistal drive shaft 242 is keyed to a spur gear 242 c. First distal driveshaft 242 further includes a distal end portion 242 b having a threadedouter profile or surface.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the threaded outer profile ofdistal end portion 242 b of first distal drive shaft 242 may beconfigured as a Unified-series thread profile (UNC #4-48 class 3A).Additionally, in accordance with the present disclosure, the threadedouter profile of distal end portion 242 b of first distal drive shaft242 is fabricated by thread whirling or rolling to harden the surface,followed by secondary electro-polishing to smooth the surface.Electro-polishing of the threaded outer profile of distal end portion242 b of first distal drive shaft 242 functions to smooth the threadsfor interface with the PEEK material of drive coupling nut 244 toincrease the wear resistance and the life therebetween.

First drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 further includes adrive coupling nut 244 rotatably coupled to threaded distal end portion242 b of first distal drive shaft 242. Drive coupling nut 244 isslidably disposed within inner housing tube 206 a. Moreover, drivecoupling nut 244 is keyed to inner housing tube 206 a so as to beprevented from rotation as first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated. Inthis manner, as first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated, drive couplingnut 244 is translated through and/or along inner housing tube 206 a.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, drive coupling nut 244 is supported at itsproximal and distal ends by respective washers 245 a, 245 b. Washers 245a, 245 b aid in distributing the loaded and aid in avoiding stressconcentrations exerted on drive coupling nut 244 by threaded distal endportion 242 b of first distal drive shaft 242, as first distal driveshaft 242 is rotated.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, drive coupling nut 244 may bemolded and may be provided with at least one outer annular rib 244 a tohelp maintain a uniform wall thickness.

In order to achieve uniform pressure distribution along the thread ofdrive coupling nut 244, it is contemplated that drive coupling nut 244be manufactured from unreinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK)thermoplastic polymer. Unreinforced PEEK has a Modulus of Elasticitywhich is about 55 times lower than that of stainless steel.Additionally, an elongation of unreinforced PEEK, at yield, equals about5% and an elongation of unreinforced PEEK, at break, equals about 45%.Stated differently, the material of drive coupling nut 244 is relativelysoft and highly ductile, yet at the same time is relatively strong(i.e., having a yield strength equal to about 14,500 psi) and is highlyresistant to autoclaving.

In accordance with the present disclosure, drive coupling nut 244 isdimensioned such that drive coupling nut 244 engages between 25-35threads, preferably 29 threads, of threaded distal end portion 242 b offirst distal drive shaft 242.

In order to help with reducing friction and reducing heat build-up, alubricant, such as, KRYTOX® 206, commercially available from DuPont™ (agrease compatible with PEEK and which can withstand the autoclavingprocess) may be applied to and/or between distal end portion 242 b offirst distal drive shaft 242 and drive coupling nut 244.

First drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 further includes adrive tube 246 surrounding first distal drive shaft 242 and having aproximal end portion connected to drive coupling nut 244 and a distalend portion extending beyond distal end portion 242 b of first distaldrive shaft 242. The distal end portion of drive tube 246 supports aconnection member 247 configured and dimensioned for selectiveengagement with drive member 374 (see FIG. 8) of drive assembly 360 ofend effector 300.

In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotated, asa result of the rotation of the first respective drive connector 118 ofsurgical device 100, first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotatedand transmits rotation to spur gear 242 c, that is keyed to first distaldrive shaft 242, to thereby cause rotation of first distal drive shaft242. As first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated, drive coupling nut 244is caused to be translated axially along first distal drive shaft 242.

As drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axially along firstdistal drive shaft 242, drive tube 246 is caused to be translatedaxially relative to inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206. As drivetube 246 is translated axially, with connection member 247 connectedthereto and connected to a drive member 374 (see FIG. 8) of driveassembly 360 of end effector 300, drive tube 246 causes concomitantaxial translation of drive member 374 of end effector 300 to effectuatea closure of tool assembly 304 and a firing of tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300.

In operation, when a button of surgical device 100 is activated by theuser, the software checks predefined conditions. If conditions are met,the software controls the motors and delivers mechanical drive to theattached surgical stapler, which can then open, close, rotate,articulate or fire depending on the function of the pressed button. Thesoftware also provides feedback to the user by turning colored lights onor off in a defined manner to indicate the status of surgical device100, adapter assembly 200 and/or end effector 300.

A high level electrical architectural view of the system is displayed inFIG. 9 and shows the connections to the various hardware and softwareinterfaces. Inputs from presses of buttons 124, 126 and from motorencoders of the drive shaft are shown on the left side of FIG. 9. Themicrocontroller contains the device software that operates surgicaldevice 100, adapter assembly 200 and/or end effector 300. Themicrocontroller receives inputs from and sends outputs to a MicroLAN, anUltra ID chip, a Battery ID chip, and Adaptor ID chips.

The MicroLAN, the Ultra ID chip, the Battery ID chip, and the Adaptor IDchips control surgical device 100, adapter assembly 200 and/or endeffector 300 as follows:

-   MicroLAN—Serial 1-wire bus communication to read/write system    component ID information.-   Ultra ID chip—identifies surgical device 100 and records usage    information.-   Battery ID chip—identifies the Battery 156 and records usage    information.-   Adaptor ID chip—identifies the type of adapter assembly 200, records    the presence of an end effector 300, and records usage information.

The right side of the schematic illustrated in FIG. 9 indicates outputsto the LED's; selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotationor articulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform thefunction selected.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8, the end effector is designated as 300.End effector 300 is configured and dimensioned for endoscopic insertionthrough a cannula, trocar or the like. In particular, in the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8, end effector 300 may pass through acannula or trocar when end effector 300 is in a closed condition.

End effector 300 includes a proximal body portion 302 and a toolassembly 304. Proximal body portion 302 is releasably attached to adistal coupling 230 of adapter assembly 200 and tool assembly 304 ispivotally attached to a distal end of proximal body portion 302. Toolassembly 304 includes an anvil assembly 306 and a cartridge assembly308. Cartridge assembly 308 is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly 306and is movable between an open or unclamped position and a closed orclamped position for insertion through a cannula of a trocar.

Proximal body portion 302 includes at least a drive assembly 360 and anarticulation link 366.

Referring to FIG. 8, drive assembly 360 includes a flexible drive beam364 having a distal end which is secured to a dynamic clamping member365, and a proximal engagement section 368. Engagement section 368includes a stepped portion defining a shoulder 370. A proximal end ofengagement section 368 includes diametrically opposed inwardly extendingfingers 372. Fingers 372 engage a hollow drive member 374 to fixedlysecure drive member 374 to the proximal end of beam 364. Drive member374 defines a proximal porthole 376 which receives connection member 247of drive tube 246 of first drive converter assembly 240 of adapterassembly 200 when end effector 300 is attached to distal coupling 230 ofadapter assembly 200.

When drive assembly 360 is advanced distally within tool assembly 304,an upper beam of clamping member 365 moves within a channel definedbetween anvil plate 312 and anvil cover 310 and a lower beam moves overthe exterior surface of carrier 316 to close tool assembly 304 and firestaples therefrom.

Proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300 includes an articulationlink 366 having a hooked proximal end 366 a which extends from aproximal end of end effector 300. Hooked proximal end 366 a ofarticulation link 366 engages coupling hook 258 c of drive bar 258 ofadapter assembly 200 when end effector 300 is secured to distal housing232 of adapter assembly 200. When drive bar 258 of adapter assembly 200is advanced or retracted as described above, articulation link 366 ofend effector 300 is advanced or retracted within end effector 300 topivot tool assembly 304 in relation to a distal end of proximal bodyportion 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, cartridge assembly 308 of tool assembly 304includes a staple cartridge 305 supportable in carrier 316. Staplecartridge 305 defines a central longitudinal slot 305 a, and threelinear rows of staple retention slots 305 b positioned on each side oflongitudinal slot 305 a. Each of staple retention slots 305 b receives asingle staple 307 and a portion of a staple pusher 309. During operationof surgical device 100, drive assembly 360 abuts an actuation sled andpushes actuation sled through cartridge 305. As the actuation sled movesthrough cartridge 305, cam wedges of the actuation sled sequentiallyengage staple pushers 309 to move staple pushers 309 vertically withinstaple retention slots 305 b and sequentially eject a single staple 307therefrom for formation against anvil plate 312.

Reference may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821, filedon Aug. 31, 2009, entitled “TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLINGDEVICE,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein byreference, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operationof end effector 300.

Reference may also be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/484,975, filed on May 31, 2012, entitled “HAND HELD SURGICAL HANDLEASSEMBLY, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY ANDSURGICAL END EFFECTORS, AND METHODS OF USE”, the entire content of whichis incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of theconstruction and operation of any of the remaining components ofsurgical device 100, adapter assembly 200, and end effector 300.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assemblies. Therefore,the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envisionother modifications within the scope and spirit of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly for selectivelyinterconnecting an end effector that is configured to perform a functionand a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector,the end effector including at least one axially translatable drivemember, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable driveshaft, the adapter assembly comprising: a housing configured and adaptedfor connection with the surgical device and to be in operativecommunication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of thesurgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end supported by thehousing and a distal end configured and adapted for connection with theend effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operativecommunication with each of the at least one axially translatable drivemember of the end effector; and at least one drive converter assemblyfor interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axiallytranslatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least onedrive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to afirst rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and a second end thatis connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the endeffector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drivemember of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converterassembly includes: a drive shaft rotatably disposed within the housingand the outer tube, wherein a proximal end of the drive shaft of the atleast one drive converter assembly is configured to be in operativecommunication with the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgicaldevice, wherein the drive shaft of the at least one drive converterassembly has a threaded distal end portion defining a plurality of turnsdisposed longitudinally along the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly; a drive coupling nut threadably engaged to between25 and 35 of the plurality of turns of the threaded distal end portionof the drive shaft of the at least one drive converter assembly, thedrive coupling nut being manufactured from unreinforcedpolyetheretherketone thermoplastic polymer, wherein the drive couplingnut is inhibited from axial rotation relative to the drive shaft of theat least one drive converter assembly; and an axially translatable drivebar having a proximal portion connected to the drive coupling nut and adistal portion configured and adapted for selective connection to thefirst axially translatable drive member of the end effector, whereinrotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical deviceresults in rotation of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly, and wherein rotation of the drive shaft of the atleast one drive converter assembly results in axial translation of thedrive coupling nut and the axially translatable drive bar that isconnected thereto.
 2. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe drive coupling nut of the at least one drive converter assemblyengages 29 turns of the threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft.3. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the threadeddistal end portion of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly is configured as a Unified-series thread profile. 4.The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the threaded distalend portion of the drive shaft of the at least one drive converterassembly is processed by at least one of surface hardening, rolling,whirling and electro-polishing.
 5. The adapter assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly includes afirst washer disposed adjacent a proximal surface of the drive couplingnut, and a second washer disposed against a distal surface of the drivecoupling nut.
 6. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein thedrive coupling nut of the at least one drive converter assembly includesat least one outer annular rib.
 7. An adapter assembly for selectivelyinterconnecting an end effector that is configured to perform a functionand a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector,the end effector including at least one axially translatable drivemember, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable driveshaft, the adapter assembly comprising: at least one drive converterassembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least onerotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least oneaxially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the atleast one drive converter assembly includes a first end that isconnectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device anda second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drivemember of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converterassembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the firstaxially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the atleast one drive converter assembly includes: a drive shaft rotatablydisposed within the housing and the outer tube, wherein a proximal endof the drive shaft of the at least one drive converter assembly isconfigured to be in operative communication with the first rotatabledrive shaft of the surgical device, wherein the drive shaft of the atleast one drive converter assembly has a threaded distal end portiondefining a plurality of turns disposed longitudinally along the driveshaft of the at least one drive converter assembly; a drive coupling nutthreadably engaged to between 25 and 35 of the turns of the threadeddistal end portion of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly, the drive coupling nut being manufactured fromunreinforced polyetheretherketone thermoplastic polymer, wherein thedrive coupling nut is inhibited from axial rotation relative to thedrive shaft of the at least one drive converter assembly; and an axiallytranslatable drive bar having a proximal portion connected to the drivecoupling nut and a distal portion configured and adapted for selectiveconnection to the first axially translatable drive member of the endeffector, wherein rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of thesurgical device results in rotation of the drive shaft of the at leastone drive converter assembly, and wherein rotation of the drive shaft ofthe at least one drive converter assembly results in axial translationof the drive coupling nut and the axially translatable drive bar that isconnected thereto.
 8. The adapter assembly according to claim 7, whereinthe drive coupling nut of the at least one drive converter assemblyengages 29 turns of the threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft.9. The adapter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the threadeddistal end portion of the drive shaft of the at least one driveconverter assembly is configured as a Unified-series thread profile. 10.The adapter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the at least onedrive converter assembly includes a first washer disposed adjacent aproximal surface of the drive coupling nut, and a second washer disposedagainst a distal surface of the drive coupling nut.
 11. The adapterassembly according to claim 7, wherein the drive coupling nut of the atleast one drive converter assembly includes at least one outer annularrib.